SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. – Authorities in Spokane County are warning residents about a scam that recently cost a local woman $7,000. The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and Spokane Valley Police Department have been receiving reports of scammers posing as law enforcement officials.
Last week, a woman in her 20s reported falling victim to a scammer who claimed to be from the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. The scammer told her she had warrants for her arrest and needed to pay a $7,000 bond to avoid being taken into custody.
Fearful of arrest, the victim followed the scammer’s instructions to deposit the money into a Bitcoin machine. The impersonator also sent her a link to create an account with her personal information, putting her at risk of identity theft.
Officials emphasize that legitimate law enforcement will never demand immediate payment or threaten arrest over the phone. They advise residents to verify any claims by contacting the agency or business directly using a phone number they have confirmed themselves.
The Sheriff’s Office urges everyone to share this information to protect the community from these predatory scams. They remind people not to provide personal or banking information to unknown callers.
